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By Jl7(^odor(^ f{\t(^T)<^dqT. 





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Entered according to Act of Congress, 
in the year 1889, by 

THEODORE ALTENEDER, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, 
at Washington, D. C. 




/*- 



Alteneders Qrawiug Jnstmments. 

THE accLirac)', elegance, speed and even success ot the draught- 
ing done by the professional man, is in a measure dependent 
upon the qualities of the instruments which he uses. The 
nearer the)' are to perfection in every minute detail as to form, con- 
struction, proportion, material and finish, the nearer can he approach 
to perfection in his work. W^ith perfect tools, there is nothing to 
prevent his acquiring the manual dexterity necessary to produce 
the best work in the least time, and, as these tools are constantly 
used by him during the active period of his career, their first cost is 
of small importance in comparison with their qualities. He may 
use one instrument throughout a period of thirty years or more, 
when the weight, feel and location of the parts become so familiar 
that the operations are performed instinctively, and the mind is left 
entirely free for its legitimate work, and is not hampered by any 
demands on it in connection with the merely mechanical part of the 
draughting. But such an instrument must be perfect originally and 
must be so well constructed and all its parts so well fitted that they 
will retain their qualities. For such an instrument he can afford to pay 
any price ; that is to say, it would be true economy for him to pay the 
cost of such qualities if he felt convinced that he was obtaining them. 
Thoroughly believing in these truths, we have faithfully and 
persistently endeavored to attain perfection in material, form, fit 
and finish, and we now submit genuine /\lteneder Instruments as 
the results of over forty years of such efforts, with the full conviction 
that for convenience of handling, for rapidity and delicacy of adjust- 
ment, for retention of position, for all desirable stiffness [combined 
with remarkable lightness), for the fineness and accuracy of the work 
that can be done with them, and for their rcliabiltv as to retaimxc 



Points about Di^awing Insti^uments. 



THEIR (,)UALiTiEs during years of constant use, thev are superior to 

ANY instruments OF THE KIND. 

Every piece that we offer for sale is manufactured in our own 
shops, under our personal supervision, and is guaranteed to be as 
represented. 

IMITATI(3NS. 



1\/[ANY imitations of our instruments have been manufactured, 
particularly in Germany, in which the form and sizes of the 
parts have been closely followed, but the material and workmanship 
have been so inferior that in a very short time the instruments 
have become unfit for skilled hands and impossible of repair, so as 
to be practically useless. Money spent on such cheap and inferior 
tools is literally thrown away, and some of our old customers have 
left with us examples of such, as a warning to purchasers who 
might doubt the reasonableness of our prices. 

These imitations are often catalogued in a manner calculated to 
mislead the purchaser ; some at a lower figure and others at the 
same prices as genuine Alteneder Instruments, a discount being- 
offered as an inducement. Should the customer be posted and ask 
for our name or trade-mark, he is reluctantly informed that they are 
not Alteneder's make, but "just as good." We therefore wish to 
inform the intending purchaser of the necessity of specifying ''gcimine 
Alteneder Instruments, manufactured by Theo. Alteneder, Philadel- 
phia." Each genuine instrument bears the name, T. Alteneder or 
trade-mark " T. A." stamped on it. For such instruments we are 
responsible, and if any defects arise at any time after the instru- 
ment is in use, that can be attributed to a fault in the workmanshij) 
or material, we repair or replace free of cost, whether purchased 
direct of us or through a dealer. We cannot ofier an\' discounts, 
but we can furnish the hesi' instruments at a fair price. 

Descriptions and illustrations of the instruments which we 
manufacture, w^ill be tound in the following pages. 



Theodore Alteneder, Philadelphia. 



Alteneder's Patent Joint [jmders. 



MATERIAL. 

THE body and legs are made of German silver, coined or swaged 
in steel dies in order to make the metal compact, homogeneous, 
hard and elastic. The steel which is used is the very best 
that can be procured, and is well worked and tempered. 




ALTENEDER'S PATENT JOINT. 

T^HIS joint was invented by Theo. Alteneder, Sr., 
and patented in 1850 and again in 1871. Ex- 
perience has proved it to be the only perfect joint 
for drawing instruments, and, if properly con- 
structed, it can never wear or give out in any way. 
It is now largely imitated by other manufacturers, 
but the construction is usually so poor as to make it 
practically worthless for accurate draughting. As 
we construct it, it is very accurately fitted with a 
Aiteneder's Patent Joint, washcr betweeu two flat, circular-bearing sufaces, 
which are clamped together by means of the conical points of two 
opposite screws carried in a head of German silver, the metal of 
which has been hammered to make it stiff and of reliable elasticity. 
This arrangement is based upon correct theory. It ensures a 
uniform pressure and amount of friction in all positions of the legs 
of the instrument, so that when the joint is once adjusted to suit the 
requirements or fancy of the user, it will have the same stiffness or 
" feel " in all positions, and will retain it. 

In the cheap imitations of this joint, the friction does not depend 
upon the spring pressure of the head. In consequence of this, the 
joint soon becomes loose, and any attempt to tighten it will prove 



Points about Drazuing Instruments. 




unsuccessful, because the clamping-head is made of a simple casting 
which possesses no elasticity and will permanently and continually 
bend under the strain of the screws. 

KNUCKLE-JOINTS. 

p ACH leg is provided with a knuckle-joint to enable 
the needle-point and the pencil or pen to be kept 
approximately perpendicular to the paper in making cir- 
cles of any radius within the capacity ot the ii^strument. 
These joints are carefully fitted and possess the same 
stiffness in all positions. They are secured by screws, 
so that this stiffness can be adjusted to suit the fancy of 
the user. In cheap instruments, these are rivets with 
imitation screw-heads, it being impossible to cut a thread in the 
instrument that will hold, on account of the metal beinor a soft castintr, 
and not hammered ; so that when the joint becomes loose, as it inva- 
riably does on account of the bad fitting, there is no way of tightening 
it, and the tool is useless. 

SPRING PEN. 

T^HIS improved pen is made of one piece of steel, with- 
out any joint between the two blades, thus ensuring 
that the points will always match, and avoiding any possi- 
bility of lost motion. The outside blade is in the form of a 
spring for the purpose of increasing the ease of adjustment 
and the distance it can be separated for cleaning. The 
blades are tempered and ground to the best form for mak- 
ing perfect lines of any desired thickness, and to secure a 
ready flow of ink. The steel, shape and temper are the 
results of long experience and are unecpialed. The 
adjusting-screw is of steel and has a washer under the 
milled hc^ad. It is well fittcnl, but of vcny easy adjustment, 
sprinv ivn. '^^^^'- thread is guaranteed not to sti'ip. 



Theodore Alteneder, Philadelphia. 



NEEDLE AND PENCIL CLAMP HOLDERS. 

T^HE holders for the needle-point and for the lead are 
parallel to the central axis, are accurately drilled and 
are split to an unusual length, so that the clamping-screws 
will hold the needle-point and the lead firmly and uniformly, 
thus enabling their positions to be relied on. 

This form of clamp holder can be loosened just suffi- 
ciamp Holders. ^I^j^^ to permit the needle-point or lead to be pushed in 
or out to give an exact adjustment of length and can be tightened 
without altering this adjustment in the least. This is a great 
improvement over any of the old methods of holding the needle-point 
and lead. 




ALTENEDER'S IMPROVED CLAMP SOCKETS. 

TN our dividers with interchangeable pen and pencil, 
the shanks on the latter enter freely a socket in the 
leg, which is split and is provided with a clamping-screw, 
by means of which it is pinched solidly upon the shank, 
thus avoiding all wear, and at the same time enabling 
the parts to be readily separated. This is a great 
improvement over the ordinary sockets, wdiich, from wear and 
imperfect construction become loose, rendering the whole instrument 
unreliable. 




Clamp Sockets. 



PERFECT DETAILS. 

T^HERE is not a single feature of these dividers which has not 
been carefully studied with the object of making it perfect, and 
we believe that there is no room now^ left for improvement either in 
proportions, fit, finish or weight. 



Points about Drawing histrumeiits. 



K^inds, Sizes and (Rapacities. 



\1 r E make these dividers of three kinds to suit individual require- 
ments or convenience. When the use is not constant and 
the trouble and delay of changing from pencil to pen is not an 
important item, we furnish the divider in which one of the legs has a 
clamp socket to receive either (see cut No. i, page 9), but for a pro- 
fessional draughtsman, who is using his instruments continuously, we 
recommend two separate ones of the kind in which the pencil and 
pen are permanently hinged to the legs (see cuts 5 and 6, page 9). 
This avoids all delay, is more convenient in every respect, and tends 
to preserve the tools in better condition. 

Two sizes of either of these kinds can be furnished, one 5^ 
inches long, and one 3^^ inches long, the former of which can be 
used for circles up to 5^ inches radius, with the needle-point and 
pencil or pen kept perpendicular to the paper, or up to 91^ inches 
radius with the addition of the lengthening bar. The latter size 
can be used for circles up to 3^ inches radius, with the points kept 
perpendicular to the paper. A busy draughtsman will find it 
economy in time, thought and care, to keep two separate instru- 
ments of each of these sizes, while the man who spends only a part 
of his time in drawing, will find the functions of both kinds combined 
in the instrument with interchangeable pencil and pen. 

Those of our old customers who are mechanical engineers and 
noted engineering draughtsmen, almost invariably use a pair of the 
3^-in.ch, one pencil and one pen, and consider them the most 
useful tools they possess, while they use a single 5^-incli, witli inter- 
changeable pen and pencil, on account of the smaller amount of 
work rc^quiring this size. 



Theodore Alteiiede}^, Philadelphia. 



Alteneder's Patent Joint Dividers. 





The above instruments are made either 5^ or 3^ inches long, 



lO 



Points about Drawing Instruments. 



Patent Joint dividers, 

WITH HAIR-SPRING ATTACHMENT ON NEEDLE- 
POINT LEG. 




THP^SPI Instruments are the same in size, and possess all the 
features of the dividers already described, with the addition oS. 
a screw-adjustment of the needle-point leo-, a refinement 
which aids materially in accurate work, is useful in ordinary work 
and which does not detract in the least from the stiffness and relia- 
l)ilit\' of the tool. 



TJieodo7^e Alteneder, Philadelphia. 



CONSTRUCTION. 

T^HIS adjustment Is obtained by jointing the lower half of the 
needle-point leg to an intermediate, long, stiff, steel spring, 
which is accurately fitted in a groove in the upper half, but is 
attached only at its upper end, the lower end being drawn into place 
against the elasticity of the spring by means of a thumb-screw. 

This gives to the needle-point a very delicate, though rigid, 
adjustment, which can be used for two purposes, either for correcting 
any slight inaccuracies in setting the pencil or pen, or for drawing 
parallel circles at minute distances apart. 

By its use, the pencil or pen can be set with the utmost nicety 
without removing the needle-point from the paper, thus overcoming 
the difficulty often experienced in drawing arcs perfectly tangent to 
each other or to straight lines, as well as arcs of precise radius or 
passing through an exact point. 

OPERATION. 

T^HE operation is as follows : Adjust the thumb-screw until the 
spring is in a position somewhere near the middle of its move- 
ment, in order to allow for final adjustment In either direction. Put 
the needle-point Into the paper at the given centre, open or close 
the legs approximately to the point through which the circle is to 
pass, and then, with the fingers of the other hand and without re- 
moving the needle-point from the paper, turn the thumb-screw to the 
right or left in order to bring the pencil or pen precisely to the 
point required. The delicacy and accuracy thus attained, without 
sacrifice of rigidity in the tool- or convenience in the handling of it, 
are valuable additions. 

ADVANTAGES. 

TN mechanical drawings of any intricacy, it frequently happens that 

there are many circles having the same centre, and that the 

centre hole in the paper becomes so enlarged as to be totally 



1 2 Points about Drawing Instruments, 

unreliable, besides detracting from the appearance of the drawing. 
This arises from the side strain of the needle-point in the centre hole, 
due to the force exerted in opening and closing the legs to make so 
many fine adjustments. With the screw adjustment, handled with 
proper care and judgment, the centre hole can be kept in perfect 
condition, no matter how many concentric circles are drawn about 
it, and, at the same time, the operation is more convenient and 
accurate. 

Another important advantage of this attachment is that it ren- 
ders the instrument superior to anything else for use as Stepping 
or Spacing Dividers for 3-inch spaces or over. For this purpose 
the lead is replaced by the extra needle-point, the knuckle-joints per- 
mit both needles to be set perpendicular to the paper, and the screw 
adjustment enables their distance apart to be regulated with exact- 
ness. In spacing teeth around a pitch circle, or in dividing a given 
length into a given number of equal parts, the convenience and 
accuracy of the adjustment, and the great advantage of having the 
needle-points perpendicular, will be immediately apparent. 



Plain dividers, 

WITH PATENT JOINT. 

{See Illustraiion No. S, page g.) 

I HESE are made with the same balanced friction joint as the 
complete dividers already described, and possess the same 
quality of metal and workmanship. The steel points are carefully 
tempered and finely ground to a conical shape in order to avoid the 
reaming effect of the triangular shape usually given them. They 
are made in two sizes, 3^ inches long, and 5 inches long. 



Theodore Alteneder, Philadelphia. 13 



Hair-Spring Qiyiders. 

WITH PATENT JOINT. 

{See Illustration No. lo, page g.) 

ONE of the principal uses of plain dividers is the stepping-off of 
a series of equal spaces, such as in laying out gear teeth, 
spacing rivets and boiler tubes, and in all work in which there 
is a duplication of parts at equal distances. It is a matter of great 
difficulty, even for experts, to set the ordinary plain dividers for 
this purpose. The trouble is that it is impossible to judge of the 
exact amount of alteration given them when the first trial has proved 
the space incorrect and they have been shifted and tried the second 
time, so that it becomes a question of pure chance when the right 
space will be struck. 

By the addition of the hair-spring adjustment, this trouble is 
entirely overcome, because the user soon becomes familiar with the 
amount of movement imparted to the point by a certain portion of a 
turn of the thumb-screw, and, knowing the amount of error after the 
first trial, he can quickly correct it in a definite way without guess- 
work. 

The construction of the attachment is the same as that already 
<lescribed for the regular dividers. It does not in the least impair 
the stiffness and reliability of the instrument. Two sizes are made, 
3^ inches and 5 inches long. 



14 



Points about Drawing Instruments. 



Spring 5ow Instruments. 



THESE instruments are used as adjuncts to the regular dividers 
and have their own special field of usefulness. The two legs 
are made of one continuous piece of steel, finished and tem- 
pered with the greatest care, and are warranted to retain their 
qualities indefinitely. The handle is of German silver screwed into 
the instrument. The superior quality and temper of the steel 
enables the points to be separated to an unusual extent without 
losing stiffness. The threads of the adjusting-screws will not strip 
or tear out. 



SPRING BOW SPACER. 




I HIS has plain, round legs, ground to long, fine 
points. The points are drawn together by 
means of a thumb-nut on a fine, steel screw, actine in 
opposition to the spring of the legs, so that there can 
be no lost motion and no accidental change in the 
position of the points. In this respect they are very 
superior to plain dividers, which are liable to be altered 
by a "jar" after being set. The convenience of being- 
able to set this spacer with the utmost nicety and ease, 
and to lay it down and take it up any number of times 
with the certainty of its retaining its exact adjustment, 
should commend its use to every practical man* 



Theodore Aliened er, Philadelphia. 



15 




SPRING BOW SPACER WITH NEEDLE- 
POINTS. 

TN this instrument, each leg is furnished with an adjust- 
able, removable needle-point, to enable the equality 
of the points to be always maintained. It is preferable 
to the plain spacer, and particularly so for work on 
metals, such as sheet brass, because the points can be 
tempered to suit, re-ground, adjusted to coincide in 
length, and replaced at trifling cost when used up. 




spring Bow Pencil. 



SPRING BOW PENCIL. 

TN this instrument, one leg is provided with an 
- adjustable needle-point and the other with a clamp- 
ing socket to hold the round lead. Apart from its 
delicate adjustment for making the small circles on a 
drawing, it is very convenient for making all the dupli- 
cate circles, such as those which represent bolt holes, 
rivets, boiler tubes, etc., because it can be relied upon 
to maintain the size without any care on the part of 
the user. For drawino^ all the small fillets and corners 
to be shown on a drawing, it is far superior to the 
joint dividers. It is not intended to take the place of 



the latter, but to be used as an aid to it. 



i6 



Points about Drawing Instruments. 




spring Bow Pen. 



SPRING BOW PEN. 

T^HIS has an adjustable needle-point on one leg and 
either a plain or a spring pen on the other, the 
pen being of one piece with the leg. For inking all 
the very small- circles, fillets, corners, etc., on a draw- 
ing, this instrument is almost indispensable, and for all 
duplicate circles within its range, it is a great conven 
ience. The adjustment is much quicker than might 
be supposed, as the legs can be pressed together to 
approximate the required distance by the fingers of 
the left hand, and the thumb-nut rapidly run up in 
contact by the right hand, the final close adjustment 
being made by the thumb-nut alone. 



HTHE spring bow instruments are made i^, 2, 3, 4 and 5 inches 
long. There seems to be an impression among some 
draughtsmen that the smaller instruments will more readily do 
smaller work. This is especially true of the bow pen. It is, how- 
ever, a mistake, as the 3-inch size will, if properly constructed and 
sharpened, make as small a circle as the i^ inch. It is, perhaps, 
advisable to keep a small bow pen, and use it only for the smallest 
circles, as it tends to keep it in condition, but we recommend 
the 3-inch always, as it answers all purposes, from the smallest up to 
the largest within its capacity. The 4 or 5 -inch Bow Spacers are, 
however, very useful and far superior to any joint dividers with 
clamp and tangent-screw, as they can be more rapidly set, the adjust- 
ment is more delicate and they will retain their position fully as well. 



Theodore Alteneder, Philadelphia. 1 7 



Ruling Pen. 



I 



T is very important to a draughtsman that this essential 
instrument be of the best form and quaHty that can be 
obtained, regardless of cost. The annoyance, delay 
and bad work, which a poor pen is capable of causing, can 
not be afforded by anyone who has much use for it, and con- 
sequently that pen in which every detail of shape, finish and 
material has received the closest attention, should be the one 
selected. 

Thoroughly appreciating this, we spare no pains to pro- 
duce as nearly perfect a pen as possible. It is made in one 
piece in order to avoid all joints, with their liability to Avear 
and consequent lost motion. The steel is of the very best 
quality, tempered to a hardness which our long experience 
has shown to be best adapted to the purpose. The adjusting- 
screw is of steel, well-fitted to the threads in the blade. It is 
screwed into the milled head, and not merely riveted, as is 
Ruling the case v/ith cheap pens. We guarantee that the thread 

Pen. 

will not strip and that the milled head will not come off The 
point is very carefully and accurately ground to the best shape for 
making perfect lines, and the blades are finely finished both outside 
and inside. The handle is of ebony or ivory, as desired, and is 
so fitted to the German silver socket that it will not become 
loose. It is fitted with a pricker-point when desired. For use with 
red ink, we furnish a nickel-plated pen, but do not recommend it 
as a rule. The pen should always be wiped clean, except when in 
actual use, as most of the inks used in draughting contain an acid 
that eats into the steel, and will, in a short time, ruin the best ruling 
pen unless carefully wiped. Three sizes are made, 4^^, 5 and 5^ 
inches long-. 



Points about Drawing Instruments. 



Improved Ruling Pen. 



Improved Ruling 
Pen. 



THE objection to a pen made of one piece of steel 
is that it is less handy to clean than a pen with 
the upper blade hinged, and the great disadvan- 
tage of the hinged pen is that the points will not match 
after the hinge wears, thus making it impossible to rule 
perfect lines. 

Our improved pen possesses the advantages of the 
hinge pen without its disadvantages. It is made of one 
piece of steel ; the upper blade is in the form of a spring, 
causing it to open wide to facilitate cleaning, and also 
diminish the stiffness of the adjustment for the thickness 
of the line to be drawn. Althouo^h this will do no better 
work than our standard pen, still the additional conven- 
ience of it is well worth the slight additional cost. 
This improvement is applied to all sizes and styles. 



Railroad Ren. 




THIS consists of a spring bow with a pen on each leg and an 
adjusting-screw and thumb-nut for delicately adjusting the 
distance apart. It is intended especially for ruling railroad 
tracks or double lines. 



Theodore Altefieder, Philadelphia, 



19 



Beam Co^ipass, 




IN all kinds of draughting, circles or arcs of larger radius than 
8 or 10 inches are continually required, and it is important to 
possess an instrument that is light, handy, accurate and reliable 
for the work which may be beyond the capacity of the standard sizes 
of dividers. Such an instrument is found in the beam compass, 
which, as we con^struct it, is capable of almost as delicate adjustment 
and ready manipulation as the dividers. 

It consists of two parts, one to hold the pencil or pen, and the 
other the needle-point. Each of these parts is a deep channel made of 
hammered German silver to secure elasticity, stiffness and lightness. 
Underneath one of the channels is a socket to receive and hold 
either the pencil-leg or pen. The pencil-leg has our standard clamp- 
holder for the round lead, to which is also fitted a needle-point for 
use in conjunction with the one on the other channel for stepping or 
scribmg. The pen is made of one piece of steel, with a shank fitting 
interchangeably in the same socket as the pencil-leg, and is of the 
same quality as our standard pens. 

The other channel has underneath it a bell-crank, hineed at one 
end. A fine steel screw is fastened in the other end of the channel 
and passes down through the horizontal arm of the bell-crank with a 



20 Points about Drawing Instiamients . 

thumb-nut on the outside. A stiff, flat spring is fastened under the 
channel and keeps the arm pressed against the thumb-nut. The 
vertical arm of the bell-crank has a socket into which is screwed a 
standard needle-point leg with adjustable and changeable needle- 
point to match the pencil-leg of the other channel. 

Each of these channels is provided with a light metal shoe, 
adjustable by means of a thumb-screw and guided by two steel 
screws. The shoe does not reach to the bottom of the channel, but 
leaves space enough for a flange on the lower edge of the hard-wood 
bar which is fitted to the channel. (See section.) It will thus be 
seen that the shoe, with its lower edge resting upon the flange per- 
mits the channel to be freely slid along the bar, while a turn of the 
thumb-screw will firmly clamp it in any desired position. 

The final, accurate adjustment of the distance is obtained by 
means of the bell-crank which holds the needle-point leg. The 
thumb-nut, acting on the extreme end of the horizontal arm, produces 
an equal effect at the needle-point, while the spring always presses 
the arm firmly against the nut and prevents the possibility of any 
lost motion. 

The method of handling the instrument is to place the needle 
point in the centre of the desired circle, slide the pencil-channel to 
within an eighth of an inch of the radius, and then adjust to the exact 
distance by means of the thumb-nut. As fine and accurate work 
can be accomplished with this instrument as with dividers. 

The use of a wooden bar has many advantages. It is lighter, 
stiffer, cheaper and more readily extemporized than any metal con- 
struction. Several bars of different lengths can be kept conveniently 
at hand, and in case of a very large radius being required, for which 
the draughtsman has no bar, it is an easy matter to make a tempo- 
rary one without a flange, because the flange, though convenient, 
is not essential. 



Theodore Alteneder, Philadelphia. 2 1 

VVhen desired, we furnish a graduated bar by which distances 
In Inches and twentieths, and Inches and thirty-seconds, can be 
conveniently and quickly set off. 

Two sizes of these beam compasses are made, but for general 
draughting purposes the small size is the handiest. 



Jnstmments in Qases. 



PERHAPS the best way for a draughtsman to perfect his outfit 
is for him to purchase the Instruments singly, according as his 
requirements or his desires suggest, and, after waiting a suffi- 
cient time to determine that his needs are completely filled, to have 
a case made to order to properly hold them and to suit his methods 
of work. 

We furnish finely-finished cases of any size, formi and arrange- 
ment that may be desired, besides which we keep In stock various 
standard sets of instruments in cases, a list of which, with prices, is 
o^Iven in our Cataloofue. 



22 



Points about Drawing Instruments. 



Protractors. 



THE requirements of a protractor are that it shall be light and 
handy, and, at the same time, so stiff and strong that it will 
retain its shape; and, above all, that its graduations shall be 
fine, distinct and accurate. 

Our protractors are made of Hard Rolled German Silver, 
which is greatly superior to ordinary castings in strength, hardness 
and elasticity. They are graduated on our own engine ; and of their 
accuracy we are entirely convinced. We guarantee them to be supe- 
rior to any others. 

PLAIN PROTRACTOR. 




T^HESE are made either half circle or whole circle, the former5, 6, 
7, 8 and 10 inches diameter and the latter 6, 8 and 10 inches. 
The centre is on the inside edge of the cross-bar. The smaller sizes 
are graduated to half degrees and the larger to quarter degrees. 

PROTRACTOR WITH ARM AND HORN-CENTRE. 
T^HIS is provided with an arm accurately fitted to swing exactly 

around the centre, the beveled edcre of the arm beino- an exact 
radius. It lias a liorn-ccntre with " peep-hole" to enable it to be set 
to a precise point. The arm adds materially to the range, usefulness 
and convenience of the instrument. We make them 5. 6, 7 and 8 
inches diameter, either half circle or whole circle. 



Theodo7^e Alteneder, Philadelphia. 



23 



PROTRACTOR WITH HORN-CENTRE, 
\RM AND VERNIER. 




TN this instrument the arm carries a vernier in order to permit 
close reading. We make them 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 inches diameter 
half circle, and 5, 6, 8 and :o inches, whole circle, the 5 and 6 read- 
ing to 3 minutes and the rest to 1 minute. 

PROTRACTOR WITH HORN-CENTRE, VERNIER 
AND ARM DOTTER. 




I HE arm of this instrument has no radial edge but is provided 
with a pricker-point, which is exactly on the radial line which 
passes through the zero of the vernier. This arrangement is pre- 
ferred for some purposes. 

It is made 6 inches in diameter, half circle, reading to 3 minutes, 
and 8 inches diameter, half circle, reading to i minute. 



24 



Points about Drawing Instruments. 



PROTRACTOR WITH HORN-CENTRE, ARM, VERNIER 
AND MICROMETER ADJUSTMENT. 




n^HIS is the most convenient, accurate and reliable instrument of 
the kind that is made. It has a clamping-arm held rigidly at 
any part of the circle by means of a shoe and thumb-nut. A spring 
on this clamping-arm holds the vernier-arm against the end of an 
adjusting-screw, working in a split-nut also on the clamping-arm. 
The nut has a clamping-screw to take up any wear and lost motion. 
By this arrangement, the arm can be swung freely when the 
thumb-nut is released and held firmly when it is tightened, while the 
most delicate adjustment of the vernier-arm can be made with a cer- 
tainty of its retaining its position. 

This instrument is made of 6, 8 and lo inches diameter, both 
half and whole circle, graduated to ^ degrees and reading to i 
minute. 



Theodore Altencder, Philadelphia. 



25 



7^-Squares. 



OUR 7^-SQUARES are made of hard, close-grained, well-sea- 
soned wood. They are flat, and the edges are perfectly straight 
and they will retain these qualities. The heads are square 
with the blades, although this is unimportant, because the accuracy 
of the work depends upon the edges of the drawing board and 
triangles being square, and not upon the Z'-square. We make the 
usual styles, all of which are superior in material and workmanship. 




I 



Swivel T-Square. 



T' 



SWIVEL r-SOUARE. 

^HIS is an instrument, the convenience 
and utility of which are not fully 
appreciated. Its use has not been, by any 
means, general, although it should formi 
an essential part of every draughtsman's 
outfit. 

When it is considered that the orio-inal 
penciling of a drawing often occupies days 
and even weeks, and that the atmospheric 
changes during that time are apt to 
slightly alter the form of the board and the 
position of the paper, it can be understood 
that a 7"-square which can be always set 
to coincide with a base-line originally 
drawn, will add materially to the paral- 
lelism and accuracy of the work and will 
avoid the great annoyance arising from any 
variation between a rigid 7"-square and 
lines already drawn. For making tracings 
it is a great convenience in doing away 
with the care needed in setting the work to coincide with a fixed 



2 6 Points about Drawing Instruments. 

7"-square. Also when the base of one portion of a drawing is at an 
angle with that of another portion, as is often the case, the use of a 
swivel 7"-square removes all difficulty. 

The unsatisfactory behavior of most swivel /"-squares is proba- 
bly responsible for their unpopularity, because they have generally 
been made with a single clamping-swivel, which is not capable of 
holding the blade to the head with sufficient firmness to prevent a 
slight blow on the end of the blade from shifting it and ruining the 
adjustment. A slight amount of work done with a 7-Square 
which had, unknown to the user, become shifted, would be sufficient 
to condemn its use forever in his mind. 

Vv'e overcome this fault by using two clamping-screws, one at 

the pivot in the usual way and an additional one near the short end 

of the blade, which works in a circular slot in the head, concentric 

with the pivot. This enables the head and blade to be clamped together 

in a reliable manner, avoiding the possibility of accidental shifting. 

The head is of polished mahogany and the blade of maple, or 
mahogany, ebony-lined, 42, 48, 54, 60, 66 or 72 inches long. 



Triangles. 



A TRIANGLE should be light, easily handled and 
of a material which is strong and which will 
positively retain its shape. For these reasons 
our triangles are made of hard rubber with open 
centre, all the inside corners having large fillets to 
strengthen them, and to avoid the tendency which a 
crack has of starting in a sharp corner. They are well 
finished and are guaranteed to have straight edges 
and accurate angles. 
We make two styles, one with 30°, 60° and 90° angles from 3 
to 16 inches perpendicular length, and one with 45° and 90° angles 
from 3 to 1 5 inches perpendicular length. 




Hard Kuhbcr 
Trianjjle. 



Theodore Alteneder, Philadelphia. 27 



draughting Scales. 



WE have superior facilities for making scales of well-seasoned 
boxwood of any desired form and with any required gradu- 
ations. The graduations are sharp and accurate and all 
the markings are distinct and permanent. Our scales are superior 
to most, and equal to any others made. 

There is perhaps no other instrument used by draughtsmen, in 
which the requirements are so varied or individual preferences so 
different as in scales. The fact that they are used by mechanical 
engineers, civil engineers, topographical engineers, architects, sur- 
veyors, etc., and that each profession has its own units of measure- 
ment and each individual his own characteristic methods, is sufficient 
to indicate the immense variety that is demanded. 

There are four standard shapes in general use, each possessing 
its own advantages, and the choice between them depends principally 
upon the requirements and tastes of the user. 

TRIANGULAR. 



:v\\\\\^m\w\\yA\\\\\\\\\\\\\^ 

T^HE triangular scale has the merit of possessing six surfaces for 
the graduations, so that six or (by doubling) twelve different 
scales can be marked upon it. This is an advantage for any one 
who desires the greatest range with one piece, but is objected to 
by many and particularly the most active draughtsmen on account 
of its obstinate tendency to present the wrong scale, and the annoy- 
ing trouble of turning it over and ox^e/ to obtain the right one. 



28 



Points about D7^awing Instruments. 



SCALE PROTECTOR. 
T^HE scale protector, for triangular scales, consists 
of a German silver cap screwed upon each end 
of the scale. It is of the same shape as the end, but 
just sufficiently large to prevent the graduations from 
coming in contact with the paper. It keeps the scale 
clean and prevents wear. We have manufactured 
these protectors since 1874, and believe the device to 
have been orieinal with us at that time. 




Scale Protectors. 



FLAT SCALE. 



IpM Y \ \ \ \ \ 



\ \ \\y\\\>^\\\V^V\\YV\\\A 

t\'=> ez-o \ a 6 c \ \ 



ENGINE DIVIDED 






M-H 



1 

U.S. Si. 



, 1 1 3S I Oe 1 88 1 38 I W 1 88 1 OS I ai 1 9i I Si Is/, lot 1 39 1 99 1 1?9 itl I HT I trl Zl I flT I s I O j =17 I S j 'h ! / 

lull 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 /I7 / // // ////// // // / klJ 
T^HE plain, flat scale is probably more used by experts than any 
other shape. It has but two surfaces for the graduations, and 
if these are different and the wrong one presented, it requires but 
one change to bring the right one. This change, however, has to 
be from end to end, an inconvenient operation. 

FLAT SCALE WITH OPPOSITE BEVEL. 



'^PO overcome this objection, we make a flat scale with opposite 
bevel, which can be very quickly turned over and readily 
picked up. It has also the advantage of presenting only one gradu- 
ated surface to the eye when in use. 

FLAT SCALE, BEVELED ON BOTH SIDES. 



I MI{ flat scale, beveled on both sides, is a compromise between the 
ordinar)^ Hat and the triangular. It has four surfaces for grad- 
uations, but r('(]uires t(^ be lield up in order to bring the (nlge cknvn 
to the paper. 



Theodore Alteneder, Philadelphia. 29 



GRADUATIONS. 

Our scales are all engine-divided to accurate U. S. standard 

measurements. We carry in stock the shapes already men- 
tioned oracluated in the conventional way, that is, with two scales 
(one double the other) on each surface, the end unit only of each 
beinor subdivided. 

It is stranore that the o-reatest o-eneral demand is for scales 
graduated in this manner, although they are far less convenient than 
those with only one scale on each surface and that subdivided the 
entire length. 

Experts, as a rule, have their scales made to order to suit their 
methods of work, but almost invariably use the latter plan of gradua- 
tion, the additional expense of which is trifling in comparison with 
its advantages. In ordering special scales, it is advisable to furnish 
sketch showing graduations and figuring. We are prepared to 
make accurate graduations of any "parts to the inch or foot." 
Those in general use are : 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80 and 100 parts to 
the inch ; 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 800 and 1000 parts to the foot; 
T2' /^' A' /^' /'S' /^' ^' I' i/^' 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12 inches to the foot, 
and full-size and half-size. 

Metric scales, divided to millimetres. Our standard lenorths are 
6, 12, 18 and 24 inches for the U. S. measures, and 10, 20, 30 and 
50 centimetres for the metric system. 

IVORY SCALES. 
Y \/ E make flat scales of fine white bleached ivory 6 and 12 inches, 
or 10, 20 and 30 centimetres long, divided in the same manner 
as the boxvv^ood. 

THUMB-TACKS. 
^^^^ „^^^x-3 QUR thumb-tacks have German silver bev- 
' ' eled heads with steel pins screwed into the 

Thumb-Tacks. 

head, which are warranted not to come out. The 
tacks are superior in construction and finish. 



;o Points about Di^awing Instruments. 



A CATALOGUE and price-list of all the instruments made by 
us will be mailed to any one interested in the subject, who 
may request us to do so. This Catalogue also contains 
copies of a few of the many letters which we have received commend- 
ing our tools. Many of the most eminent engineers and architects 
have used these instruments for twenty or thirty years and prefer 
their old instruments now to any new ones of other make. We have 
yet to hear of the first instance where our instruments did not give 
satisfaction, or where they could not be made as good as new alter 
thirty years' use in expert hands. It is unnecessary to call the 
attention of professional men to the value of these features, because 
they realize and appreciate the importance of using instruments 
which are always the same in behavior and feel ; but, to the appren- 
tice, the student or young engineer just beginning his career, we 
would like to give a warning against the purchase ot cheap instru- 
ments, highly polished and attractively arranged in handsome cases, 
which will not retain their qualities many months and will prove a 
source of vexation, delay and bad work until they are finally cast aside. 
It is far better to invest the cost of such a case in two or three 
essential toois of the very best make obtainable, and then gradually 
to add to these as requirements suggest and ability increases, until- 
a first-class outfit is obtained, which will last a lifetime, and which 
will become so familiar as to require no thought or care in handling. 
Such a course of procedure will actually prove a considerable saving 
in money, although the price paid for each article ma\' lia\e been 
two or three times as much in the latter instance as in the former. 



Theodore Alteneder, Philadelph 



II a. 



Opinions on Genuine fllteneder InstFoments. 



Lewis M. HauPT, Pio/. of civil Engineering-^ 

University of PennsyLva^iia. 

Theodore Alteneder, 

Dear Sir: — It gives me pleasure to bear witness to the uniform 
excellence and accuracy of your Draughting Instruments. As it is impossible to do 
good work without good instruments, it is important even for beginners to equip 
themselves properly at the outset. Your instruments work as smoothly and are as 
durable as any I have ever handled. 



Wri. H. Thorn E, Director of Mechanical Draiving^ 

Franklin Institute of Pennsylvania. 

Theodore Alteneder, 

Dear Sir : — The six inch protractor, arm and vernier is received. 
I am well pleased with it. As I have still in use a full set of your Drawing Instru- 
ments, most of which I bought from you more than twenty years ago, I can testify to 
their reliability and superiority, and I feel no hesitation in saying that I prefer to use 
these old tools to new ones of any other make. 



L. J. BoECK, Late Prof, of Civil and Mecha^iical Engineering, 

University of Virginia. 

Theodore Alteneder, 

Dear Sir: — I have been using for the last thirty years without 
interruption almost exclusively the drawing instruments manufactured by you, and I 
can conscientiously attest that I found them far superior to any similar instruments 
manufactured either in this country or abroad. The numerous improvements made 
by you with respect to joints of dividers, spring drawing pens, etc., are based upon 
sound technical principles and are conducive to an easy and exact working. I 
recommended invariably your instruments to my numerous students, who expressed an 
ecjual satisfaction with their use. 

F. H. No^ES, Instructor in Drawing, 

Cornell University. 
Theodore Alteneder, 

Dear Sir: — I have used your instruments, and pronounce them 
superior to an\' others I ha\e ever used. 



32 Points about Drawing Instruments. 



Robert Fletcher, Ph. D., Prof, of civil Engineering, 

Thayer School of Civil Engineering. 

Theodore Alteneder, 

Dear Sir: — 1 wish to express my great satisfaction with the most 
excellent finish, fine appearance and very smooth action of this elegant draughting 
apparatus, which possesses all the merit and special excellencies that you claim. I 
only regret that I have subjected myself to considerable vexation and loss of time by 
working for some time past with inferior instruments. 



James H. WinDRIM, Supervising Architect, 

Treasury Department, Washington. 

I reply with pleasure to your favor in regard to my 
experience with your instruments. The first set I purchased from you — probably twenty 
years ago — are still in daily use. The instruments having your special joint are easy to 
adjust in the hand, which enables quick and very accurate work to be done with them. 
I consider them much the superior of any instrument I have seen. 



David Evans, Civil Engineer and Architect, 

Philadelphia. 

With positive pleasure I testify to the superior merits 
of your drawing instruments. After a professional career of over a quarter century, 
during which time I have mainly used your instruments, I have had abundant opportu- 
nity of comparison with those of other makers, foreign and domestic, and continue 
to give you preference. 



W. R. ECKERT, Mechanical Engineer, 

Sail Francisco. Cat. 

Theodore Alteneder, 

Dear Sir: — I sent you by express yesterday some drawing 
instruments that I desire you to put in the best possible order. 1 recjuest this to be 
done for I have (juite an effectioii for these old instruments. They have been in my 
l)Ossession for 32 years, having bought them of you in 1856. 'I'hey have been nearly 
in constant use, and I consider them better to-day than any new instrument that can 
be ])urchased from any other maker in Europe or the United States, and 1 \vt)uld not 
now send them to be overhauled but I intend to turn them over to one of m\- sons. 
for him to see if after 32 years more tliey will not be still as good as ever, for when 
that time has el;i|)sed the original maker could not repair them or the lirst owner use 
them. 



Theodore Alteneder, Philadelphia. 



John McArthuR, Jr., Architect, 

Neiv City Hall, Philadelphia. 

Theodore Alteneder, 

Dear wSir: — Having used your instruments fur a number of years 
it affords me much pleasure to testify to their excellence. I know of none better. 



William H. Brown, Bush Hi ii iron Works, 

Philadelphia. 

Theodore Alteneder, 

Dear Sir: — As a matter that must interest you it gives me 
pleasure to state that the case of drawing instruments that I purchased from you in 
1855 after having been in almost daily use since that time are with the exception of 
the unavoidable wear of the pens, as good as on the day I purchased them. My 
experience with instruments of your make leads me to believe them unequalled. 



James K.iver Improvement Co., Kngrineers' Office. 

Theodore Alteneder, Richmond, Va., April 30th, 1889. 

Dear Sir: — The box of instruments has been received and has 
Driven satisfaction. I consider them the best class of instrument that is manufactured 



for such purpose 



C. P. E. Blrgw^yn, 

Civil Engineer. 



Betbleliem Iron Co. 

Theodore Alteneder, Bethlehem, Pa., June 17th, 1889. 

Dear Sir: — The Bow Pencil reached me safely and proves 
perfectly satisfactory. I have always been an advocate of your instruments, my instru- 
ments (all of your make) are as good as new, although they have been in constant use 
for many years. 

Ellis C. Kent. 



Cornell University. 

Theodore Alteneder. Ithaca, N. Y., April 20th, 1889. 

Dear Sir: — The instruments came all right. In my experience 
with genuine Alteneder Instruments I have found them superior to any others that I 
have used, their lightness and accuracy recommend them to all in search of the best. 

1^. H. HCLHEKI. 



34 Points about Drawing Instruments. 



Pickles & Sutton, Architects and Superintendents. 

Theodore Alteneder, Tacoma, W. T., April 20th, 1889. 

Dear Sir: — I am very much pleased with the instruments, and 
consider them without an equal. I can say also that there is a wonderful difference 
between your tools and those sold by some dealers, as pivot joint instruments, which 
are of course got up in imitation of yours, without the careful and accurate workman- 
ship, finish and adjustment. The ruling pens are simply perfect. 

James Pickles. 

Cape Girardeau and Soutli-western Rail^way. 

Theodore Altender, Cape Girardeau, Mo., May 24th, 1889. 

Dear Sir: — The drawing instruments you sent me are in every 
respect satisfactory. They are well adapted to precision in drawing, with your im- 
proved protractor accuracy is obtainable in laying down angles. 

James F. Brooks, 

Chief Engineer. 

Bucyrus Poundry and Manufacturing: Co. 

Theodore Alteneder, Bucyrus, Ohio, December 27th, 1888. 

Dear Sir: — I have decided to keep the whole of the instruments 
— they are perfect ' ' Gems." The result of my writing directly to you was the attempts 
of more than one dealer to pass off your patent joint^ made by very inferior imitators. 
Henceforth I hope you will put me on your list of customers, being satisfied as to the 
superiority of your work. 

ROBT. k. CUMMINGS. 



Theodore Alteneder, Spokanee Falls, W. T. 

Dear Sir: — The instruments received in good condition. I highly 

recommend them for accuracy in fine draughting. 

H. M. Ritner. 



Alleglieny Collegfe. 

Theodore Alteneder, Meadville, Pa., February nth, 1889. 

Dear Sir: — The instruments are entirely satisfactory, the ruling- 
pens are the best it has ever been my fortune to use. 

William S. Twining, C. E., 

Instructor in Civil Engineering-. 

Sheffield Scientific School of Yale Collejjfe. 

Theodore Alteneder, New Haven, Conn., October 20th, 1888. 

Dear Sir: — My oi)inion of your instruments, based on personal 
use, is that they are une(|ualled by any otlier make with which 1 am ac^iuaintcd. 

S. 10. l^AKNEV, Ik. 



Theodore Alte7ieder, Philadelphia, 35 

Colorado Midland Railiivay Co. 

Theodore Alteneder, Colorado Springs, Col., December 23rd, 1888. 

Dear Sir: — Acknowledge the receipt of draughting tools O. K., 
and find them, as I always have from your house, the best made. 

W. B. BURTIS. 

Cosboctou and Southern Railroad Co. 

Theodore Alteneder, Coshocton, Ohio, April 9th. 

Dear Sir: — Please send me your latest catalogue. I have been 
using your instruments over ten years and consider them the best. 

C. O. Palmer. 




ESTT^BI-ISHED 15SO. 



Theodore Alteneder. 
Theodore Alteneder, Jr. 
Ferd. A. Alteneder. 



1 



;HHE5HS2 SHHHSa 



-#Jf?eodore Altei^eder^- 



MANUFACTURER OF THE 



j^lteneder Patent Joiiit s^^ Other Improved 
Drawing Instrunieiits. 

Boxwood Scales, Fine Protractors, F)tc., for Architects, 
F)ngineers and Draughtsmen, 

ALL GENUINE INSTRUMENTS ARE STAMPED WITH NAME OR TRADE-MARK. 



SUPERIOR IN 



V ■ I ■ J u 1^ I ■ ■ 1^ ■ m , WORKMANSHIP ^0 aov Others 

Warranted MIPKKIIIK l\\ ^ STyi^i^ of construction 

TMMPMR AND FINISH nia<le. 



PHIIxADELPHIA. 

355 North Tenth Street. 

[llustrated Catalogue Mailed to any Address on Application. 




'''•*wi9mmW^. 






LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



019 934 585 



